Copyright Guidelines

General Library Policies

The Evergreen State College Library makes every effort to observe copyright law while allowing fair use of its materials in an educational setting.

Video and Film

Videos and films in The Evergreen State College collection are intended for classroom or private showing only. Any other use without written permission from the distributor may be in violation of copyright law. For more information regarding films and videos contact the Jane Fisher at (360) 867-6087.

Photocopying

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of reproductions of copyrighted material. Individuals using photocopiers or computers in the Evergreen State College Library are responsible for any infringement.

• The distribution of the same photocopied material should not occur every quarter without expressed permission of the copyright holder.
• Each student should make only one personal photocopy for him or herself. No multiple copies for others should be made.
• A copyright notice should appear on the first page of the portion of material photocopied.
• For more information, see the Model Policy Concerning College and University Photocopying for Classroom, Research and Library Reserve Use published by the American Library Association.

Using Databases Responsibly

The Evergreen State College contracts with publishers and vendors to provide access to a number of electronic resources (databases, abstracts, e-journals, e-books, full-text, etc.).

In addition to paying for these resources, the Library negotiates license agreements that stipulate how and by whom they may be used. If the licensing terms are violated by anyone, licensors usually have the right to temporarily or permanently suspend access for the entire college community. You can help prevent problems by following the "do's and don'ts" and avoiding improper use.

Posting Materials Electronically

There are many questions regarding posting electronic materials for students in program websites, and the laws of copyright which govern the distribution of electronic materials for a class or academic program. The guidelines for posting materials on a website fall within the Fair Use guidlelines of copyright law. Library staff are happy to answer questions and assist in posting materials electronically. For more information on electronic posting, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Usually OK

• Making limited print or electronic copies (such as single articles)
• Posting links to a specific content
• Sharing with Evergreen faculty, staff and students
• Using for personal, instructional or research needs

Usually Not OK

• Modifying, altering, or creating derivative works
• Posting actual content  or articles to websites or listservs
• Selling or redistributing content
• Sharing with people other than Evergreen faculty, staff and students
• Systematic or substantial printing, copying or downloading (such as an entire journal issue or book)

Additional Sources

• Teacher's Copyright Guide (PDF)
• Administrator's Copyright Guide (PDF)
• U.S. Code Title 17: Copyrights
• Fair Use in the Electronic Age: Serving the Public Interest, a paper written by the American Library Association and other library associations.
• Educause website offers the U.S. Copyright Office Summary of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998 including a brief summary and complete text.
• U.S. Copyright Office at the Library of Congress.
• File Sharing: Selected Universities Report Taking Action to Reduce Copyright Infringement. (PDF)

Copyright Officers at Evergreen

Agent to notify in cases of alleged copyright infringement at The Evergreen State College:

• John Craighill, College Copyright and DMCA Officer
• (360) 867-6112
• Contact via email

Agent to notify in cases of alleged copyright infringement specifically at the Library:

• Tim Markus, Head of Cataloging
• (360) 867-6124
• Contact via email